I am swallowing hard as I type this post because it is a lesson I am learning that is not fun to admit. Several weeks ago the Lord completely convicted me about having a critical spirit. It was something I justified under the guise of being funny or relevant or approachable. My personality is very cut-to-the-chase. I strive to be someone people can expect truth from....but somewhere along the way the line between 'speaking truth' and being sassy and critical was blurred to a point that I am ashamed of.
Towards the end of the Summer the Lord allowed me to see some things with a fresh perspective and challenged me to CUT IT OUT. One of the verses that convicted me most was from James:
"Don't bad-mouth each other, friends. It's God's Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You're supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it. God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others?" James 4:11-12 (The Message)
The portion I italicized above haunted me. The visual image of spraypainting graffiti all over the Gospel with my hypocrisy really effected me. Ouch!
Within the last couple of weeks a couple of additional things have happened where I have found myself on the receiving end of some hurtful comments. I was reminded again of the incredible power we have to seriously wound others with our words. This time from feeling the prick myself. Why do we do this to one another?
Tonight I turned back to the Word for some perspective.
"It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell" (James 3:5-6 The Message)
"The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." (Proverbs 15:4 NIV)
"Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, here's what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you're worth. " (I Peter 3:8-11)
Lord, I want to be a blessing to those I encounter--not a hypocrite. Purify my heart, guard my tongue and shut my mouth when need be! AMEN
8 comments:
Wow, boy did I need to hear that! Thank you for always being honest, even when it's not easy. The verses you quoted really hit home. I sometimes confuse sarcasm with being just plain judgemental.
Great post, so true.
I'm gonna take the challenge.
i so appreciate you! i struggle with this so much...the dry truth, the bottom line, blatant honesty. i ask my close friends for accountability to keep me in check. i worry that i come across harsh or strong. graffiti on the gospel...whoa!
This is a real issue for me because crabbing about people and being judgemental has been my Olympic sport. Ever since seeking more of a relationship with God, I've recognized what a failing this is and struggled to change. It's good to hear from other people who are struggling with the same issue. Thank you. :)
Whoa! Very, very convicting for me! Definitely gives me much to ponder. Thank you!
I received this in a forwarded prayer the other day: " Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth...AMEN."
I've been praying it ever since.... : )
Love these scriptures, and need to be reminded of them daily. How I regret wasting words of criticism or complaint when I could have been gracious or silent. I cringe at the testimony I am to my family sometimes, and am so grateful for the daily conviction to try harder.
Good Word!!!
I always enjoy reading your blog. Not only b/c you have such precious children, but b/c you speak the truth and it is always something I need to hear! I have such a problem with being critical. I am quick to pop off about somebody else, but the good Lord knows I am devastated when somebody does the same to me. I am at a new job this year so it has been easier for me to keep my mouth shut. But it is still a struggle!
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